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Won't Back Down
MMA. Jousting Knights. Dueling swordsman. Gladiators. They do it for the money, for the love, and the necessity. They aren't afraid of bruises, blood, and broken bones. Less Than Three Press presents a collection of stories about people who won't back down even when the whole world seems stacked against them. Heart's Tournament by Mell Eight Champions by Andrea Speed Canis Project by Kish Swanson Experiment Number Six by Mina MacLeod Knight & Novice by Cassandra Pierce Fight to the Finish by Diana Sheridan Rule Breaker by Archer Kay Leah A Little Magic by Annabelle Kitch A Good Man by Caitlin Ricci Gladiatrix by S.S. Skye Feint of Heart by Freddie Milano Chasing Coyote by August Aimes
768 pages, Paperback
First published March 14, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 3, 2014
Definitely liked some of the stories better than the others but it's a great collection, and a great way to get introduced to new author. Your cup of tea may not be mine but I liked the mix of gladiators, knights & squires, modern day fighters and even some Old West-style magic. It's like a buffet! You get a little of everything. I hope some of these new authors publish more with LT3!
July 14, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.75 stars
This anthology is twelve rounds of non-stop action. It features stories full of characters willing to fight for what they believe in, the ones they love, or just for survival. No matter what the circumstances, one thing is for sure—none of them are backing down!
This was a really long anthology with a very wide variety of genres, heat levels, endings, and tones. Really it’s one of the most diverse anthologies I’ve ever read. I enjoyed it quite a bit and I hope you’ll take out the time to check out the more detailed reviews of each story and find out why.
Read Crissy’s review in its entirety here.
4.75 stars
This anthology is twelve rounds of non-stop action. It features stories full of characters willing to fight for what they believe in, the ones they love, or just for survival. No matter what the circumstances, one thing is for sure—none of them are backing down!
This was a really long anthology with a very wide variety of genres, heat levels, endings, and tones. Really it’s one of the most diverse anthologies I’ve ever read. I enjoyed it quite a bit and I hope you’ll take out the time to check out the more detailed reviews of each story and find out why.
Read Crissy’s review in its entirety here.
June 3, 2014
Well obviously I liked it - my own story was in it! I highly recommend Experiment Number Six, A Little Magic, Chasing Coyote, and of course, my own story, Feint of Heart. But there's something for everyone in this collection so bottom line - read it all and see what YOU like best!
January 24, 2015
I skimmed thru these because not all were in my genre. But I got a little obsessed with Freddie Milano's "Feint of Heart" - caught myself thinking about the characters at random times, etc. It's a quality collection.
June 25, 2014
3.5 average, review originally posted at Cryselle's Bookshelf.
Heart's Tournament by Mell Eight
This was a novella length fantasy piece (est 30k) that turned out to have a number of irrelevancies stuck in, made to look important, and then ignored. Start with the twincest: I read this anyway although that trope usually hits my squick buttons. Turns out there’s nothing there to squick me with. If you want on-screen action, don’t look here, nor should you look for the boys’ examination of why they became lovers. We only get third party psychobabble about a two sentence issue. You wanna push this button, at least make me care one way or the other about it. The trainers Sariel and Linalee were the more interesting couple.
Another example: the battle cats’ only function was to separate Saar and Keel. Battle cats? I want to know more than that they grow to over 400 pounds and are orange with stripes. Which sounds like a tiger. I want to see what they do. Here, nothing.
Long, shallow, and ultimately tensionless, this was not a good lead-off piece for the collection. 1.5
Champion by Andrea Speed
After struggling through the first piece, I was rewarded with the story that should have led the collection. In this science fiction story, humans are the low species on the totem pole, and like marginalized groups gaining acceptance through boxing, look to grab acceptance via physical triumph. We have an established couple who worry for each other, support each other, and love each other. I bled in the ring with Kell and Layne, and rejoiced with them after. 5
Canis Project by Kish Swanson
If you want on-screen brotherly love, here it is. Once we’re sure how dear Alex and Liam are to each other, we follow Liam through years of revenge-hunting until he meets the opponent who can take him down. There are wheels within wheels here with motivations, and the truth might be out there somewhere. Annoying and possibly deliberate absence of understanding on what genetic engineering actually is, but go with it, the story has some interesting twists. 3.75
Experiment Number Six by Mina MacLeod
Excellent contemporary/science fiction story, with a plot worthy of more examination in a longer piece, although my tolerance for present tense might not hold out that long. The slow bloom between Eric and Jason is tense, with self-awareness on both sides that this may be a product of isolation and manipulation. Jason’s undergone prolonged medical torture and interrogation for information he doesn’t have, and Eric helps put him back together. Great team, interesting scientific twist in the plot. 4.5
Knight & Novice by Cassandra Pierce
Here’s a fantasy short that’s really the first act in a longer piece, it perks along and then chops off after the first mystery is resolved, but not the greater problem. Renulf is torn between loyalty to his old codger of a master and excitement from the visitor to their remote sanctuary, who has hints of the greater world and is terribly sexy. Sword and sorcery, but without the truly exciting bits. 3
Fight to the Finish by Diana Sheridan
Told like a rehashed fairy tale but without the logic that usually applies when a king offers the hand of his heir. Maltroos fights for the right to live openly with his beloved, Saxtry worries, and there you have it in a rather flat style. 2
Rule Breaker by Archer Kay Leah
One of the gems of this collection, with very full and rounded characters, a plot worthy of the name, adventure, and excitement. Here’s the story that made me sad to end and want to reread. Tracel is *trans, in a world where lifestyle is possible but difficult, and physical modification too dangerous to contemplate. She’s a beautiful character and nuanced to the bone. Gren has two fights, one with himself over what’s truly important and one with the upstart Allon. There’s a lot of worldbuilding in a very small space. At about 18k words, it’s long enough to tell the story and short enough to leave me wanting more. 5
A Little Magic by Annabelle Kitch
What was probably meant as humor came out as TSTL to get Thrim captured, and then to be shrunk to a pocket-pet adds to the indignity. Fortunately, the character starts thinking better when his brain is the size of a pea. One of the other gladiators befriends him, and the story becomes a partnership between the two. There’s no on screen action, and the story didn’t even really need to be cast as m/m to work. 4
A Good Man by Caitlin Ricci
The motivations are there, the backstory is there, but it’s all on the surface. I didn’t feel any of this, and Emory’s shame, his connection to his father, and his decision to get punched in the face repeatedly all ought to get more of a reaction. Nor did I feel any real understanding of the sport. 2
Gladiatrix by S.S. Skye
This is the one lesbian story of the group, which is mostly focused on external plot. It takes place in a medieval-feeling world with some Roman Empire tendencies toward bread and circuses. It’s well done—the other MC is crucial to the resolution, and the story wouldn’t work the same if they weren’t potential lovers. Daelan’s terror and determination come through very strongly. Little of the word count is devoted to them getting physical, but you just know that this couple will work. 4
Feint of Heart by Freddie Milano
Cal’s adorable: he’s a squire and thus a knight in training, but he’s still like a big puppy in some ways and very much picked on by another squire. He’s enamored of the knight to whom he gives service, and he manages to be in the right place at the right time almost as often as he manages to get into trouble. There’s lots of court intrigue and fighting which are bright on the page, and a lovely ending. 4.5
Chasing Coyote by August Aimes
This is the Western in the group, with magic. Not quite the American West, but with the right feel. The magical system is well thought-out and not over-explained, which let talisman worker/thief Coyote and not-too-bright but rather humorous bounty hunter Jove chase each other around, working mostly at cross-purposes and occasionally in tandem. The goal isn’t what Jove thought it was, and the ending is perfect. 5
As with any anthology, the stories will vary, and my favorites may not be your favorites. However, the huge gap between the stories that worked well or really well and the three that felt phoned in makes me wish this anthology had worked out 50k words shorter. That would have improved the price point (which is steep for an ebook) and given the overall volume a 4.25 average rating instead of the 3.5 marbles which is unfairly penalizing some really good stories. I'm rounding down at Goodreads because while overall I liked the collection, 25% of the word count is "I want those hours back."
Copy received at Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Heart's Tournament by Mell Eight
This was a novella length fantasy piece (est 30k) that turned out to have a number of irrelevancies stuck in, made to look important, and then ignored. Start with the twincest: I read this anyway although that trope usually hits my squick buttons. Turns out there’s nothing there to squick me with. If you want on-screen action, don’t look here, nor should you look for the boys’ examination of why they became lovers. We only get third party psychobabble about a two sentence issue. You wanna push this button, at least make me care one way or the other about it. The trainers Sariel and Linalee were the more interesting couple.
Another example: the battle cats’ only function was to separate Saar and Keel. Battle cats? I want to know more than that they grow to over 400 pounds and are orange with stripes. Which sounds like a tiger. I want to see what they do. Here, nothing.
Long, shallow, and ultimately tensionless, this was not a good lead-off piece for the collection. 1.5
Champion by Andrea Speed
After struggling through the first piece, I was rewarded with the story that should have led the collection. In this science fiction story, humans are the low species on the totem pole, and like marginalized groups gaining acceptance through boxing, look to grab acceptance via physical triumph. We have an established couple who worry for each other, support each other, and love each other. I bled in the ring with Kell and Layne, and rejoiced with them after. 5
Canis Project by Kish Swanson
If you want on-screen brotherly love, here it is. Once we’re sure how dear Alex and Liam are to each other, we follow Liam through years of revenge-hunting until he meets the opponent who can take him down. There are wheels within wheels here with motivations, and the truth might be out there somewhere. Annoying and possibly deliberate absence of understanding on what genetic engineering actually is, but go with it, the story has some interesting twists. 3.75
Experiment Number Six by Mina MacLeod
Excellent contemporary/science fiction story, with a plot worthy of more examination in a longer piece, although my tolerance for present tense might not hold out that long. The slow bloom between Eric and Jason is tense, with self-awareness on both sides that this may be a product of isolation and manipulation. Jason’s undergone prolonged medical torture and interrogation for information he doesn’t have, and Eric helps put him back together. Great team, interesting scientific twist in the plot. 4.5
Knight & Novice by Cassandra Pierce
Here’s a fantasy short that’s really the first act in a longer piece, it perks along and then chops off after the first mystery is resolved, but not the greater problem. Renulf is torn between loyalty to his old codger of a master and excitement from the visitor to their remote sanctuary, who has hints of the greater world and is terribly sexy. Sword and sorcery, but without the truly exciting bits. 3
Fight to the Finish by Diana Sheridan
Told like a rehashed fairy tale but without the logic that usually applies when a king offers the hand of his heir. Maltroos fights for the right to live openly with his beloved, Saxtry worries, and there you have it in a rather flat style. 2
Rule Breaker by Archer Kay Leah
One of the gems of this collection, with very full and rounded characters, a plot worthy of the name, adventure, and excitement. Here’s the story that made me sad to end and want to reread. Tracel is *trans, in a world where lifestyle is possible but difficult, and physical modification too dangerous to contemplate. She’s a beautiful character and nuanced to the bone. Gren has two fights, one with himself over what’s truly important and one with the upstart Allon. There’s a lot of worldbuilding in a very small space. At about 18k words, it’s long enough to tell the story and short enough to leave me wanting more. 5
A Little Magic by Annabelle Kitch
What was probably meant as humor came out as TSTL to get Thrim captured, and then to be shrunk to a pocket-pet adds to the indignity. Fortunately, the character starts thinking better when his brain is the size of a pea. One of the other gladiators befriends him, and the story becomes a partnership between the two. There’s no on screen action, and the story didn’t even really need to be cast as m/m to work. 4
A Good Man by Caitlin Ricci
The motivations are there, the backstory is there, but it’s all on the surface. I didn’t feel any of this, and Emory’s shame, his connection to his father, and his decision to get punched in the face repeatedly all ought to get more of a reaction. Nor did I feel any real understanding of the sport. 2
Gladiatrix by S.S. Skye
This is the one lesbian story of the group, which is mostly focused on external plot. It takes place in a medieval-feeling world with some Roman Empire tendencies toward bread and circuses. It’s well done—the other MC is crucial to the resolution, and the story wouldn’t work the same if they weren’t potential lovers. Daelan’s terror and determination come through very strongly. Little of the word count is devoted to them getting physical, but you just know that this couple will work. 4
Feint of Heart by Freddie Milano
Cal’s adorable: he’s a squire and thus a knight in training, but he’s still like a big puppy in some ways and very much picked on by another squire. He’s enamored of the knight to whom he gives service, and he manages to be in the right place at the right time almost as often as he manages to get into trouble. There’s lots of court intrigue and fighting which are bright on the page, and a lovely ending. 4.5
Chasing Coyote by August Aimes
This is the Western in the group, with magic. Not quite the American West, but with the right feel. The magical system is well thought-out and not over-explained, which let talisman worker/thief Coyote and not-too-bright but rather humorous bounty hunter Jove chase each other around, working mostly at cross-purposes and occasionally in tandem. The goal isn’t what Jove thought it was, and the ending is perfect. 5
As with any anthology, the stories will vary, and my favorites may not be your favorites. However, the huge gap between the stories that worked well or really well and the three that felt phoned in makes me wish this anthology had worked out 50k words shorter. That would have improved the price point (which is steep for an ebook) and given the overall volume a 4.25 average rating instead of the 3.5 marbles which is unfairly penalizing some really good stories. I'm rounding down at Goodreads because while overall I liked the collection, 25% of the word count is "I want those hours back."
Copy received at Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 6, 2016
For me, "Chasing Coyote" by August Aimes made this anthology worth my time; it was a solid 4-stars as a stand alone.
March 2, 2017
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Won’t back down was a great 4 star read.
I really enjoyed reading this collection of stories. It gave me the opportunity to read authors that I’m not familiar with. We have 12 great stories that have all sorts of different themes. Some I enjoyed more than others but it was a change from what I’m used to reading.
Heart's Tournament by Mell Eight
This was a fantasy read that didn’t pull me in and keep my interest like I would have liked. It was interesting in its own right and fantasy readers may like it more than I did.
Champion by Andrea Speed
This is a science fiction about a heavyweight champion trying to make an impact for his race. Will he and his lover win their bouts and get what they came for? Both Kell and Layne drew me in with the great support they gave each other.
Canis Project by Kish Swanson
Liam loved his brother and when he was murdered he went seeking revenge. He gets help from an unexpected person. There are some unexpected twists that added to the story.
Experiment Number Six by Mina MacLeod
This is a science fiction read. Jason has been taken, tortured, and interrogated by the enemy.
When Jason is rescued he finds himself in the care of Eric. Will he be able to help Jason heal?
Knight & Novice by Cassandra Pierce
This was a little different for me but an interesting fantasy read. Renulf is intrigued by Lord Bazel and asks for his assistance with something. There is also an attraction that Renulf is feeling for this stranger as well. What may come of his stay at the castle?
Fight to the Finish by Diana Sheridan
This was the story of secret lovers. Maltroos competes in duels until one day the King announces that there will be a special competition with different rules. Can Maltroos survive the duel? Can these two be together?
Rule Breaker by Archer Kay Leah
This has to be my favorite in the collection. This is Gren and Tracel’s story. When Tracel is taken Gren has to fight to get her back. They do have a few other challenges as well. Can Gren save Tracel in time? Can they get their HEA?
A Little Magic by Annabelle Kitch
Thrim is a magician who has his magic used against him. He makes a new friend that adds more danger to his life. Can they get away safely?
A Good Man by Caitlin Ricci
Emery loses his job and isn’t sure what to do. Than someone talks him into fighting in the ring to prove himself worthy of a training position at the gym. Being out of the ring as long as he has, he’s not quite sure he can do it. Will he win the match and lose his boyfriend? Or will he end up with both?
Gladiatrix by S.S. Skye
Daelan finds herself being sold to pay her father's debt. When she meets someone things change slightly for her. She finds herself attracted to this woman. Can she survive the games? Will they have a HEA?
Feint of Heart by Freddie Milano
Cal has had feelings for Taren for years and is hoping to be noticed for more than his squire. Something happens that changes his plans. Can he protect Taren and finally get his attention?
Chasing Coyote by August Aimes
I was surprised to see a western in this group. We meet Coyote and Jove in this read. Can these two have a HEA? There seems to be a little cat and mouse with the chasing but for the most part I enjoyed this final read in the series.
Overall I feel like these reads were good but didn’t blow me away. I’m not a huge fan of a lot of the genres in this compilation but I did get drawn in and most stories peaked my interest in researching the authors and reading a full length book instead of a short story. If you're looking for some good short stories and want to get to know some authors, 1-click and get started today on this good read.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Reviewed by MAustin from Alpha Book Club
Won’t back down was a great 4 star read.
I really enjoyed reading this collection of stories. It gave me the opportunity to read authors that I’m not familiar with. We have 12 great stories that have all sorts of different themes. Some I enjoyed more than others but it was a change from what I’m used to reading.
Heart's Tournament by Mell Eight
This was a fantasy read that didn’t pull me in and keep my interest like I would have liked. It was interesting in its own right and fantasy readers may like it more than I did.
Champion by Andrea Speed
This is a science fiction about a heavyweight champion trying to make an impact for his race. Will he and his lover win their bouts and get what they came for? Both Kell and Layne drew me in with the great support they gave each other.
Canis Project by Kish Swanson
Liam loved his brother and when he was murdered he went seeking revenge. He gets help from an unexpected person. There are some unexpected twists that added to the story.
Experiment Number Six by Mina MacLeod
This is a science fiction read. Jason has been taken, tortured, and interrogated by the enemy.
When Jason is rescued he finds himself in the care of Eric. Will he be able to help Jason heal?
Knight & Novice by Cassandra Pierce
This was a little different for me but an interesting fantasy read. Renulf is intrigued by Lord Bazel and asks for his assistance with something. There is also an attraction that Renulf is feeling for this stranger as well. What may come of his stay at the castle?
Fight to the Finish by Diana Sheridan
This was the story of secret lovers. Maltroos competes in duels until one day the King announces that there will be a special competition with different rules. Can Maltroos survive the duel? Can these two be together?
Rule Breaker by Archer Kay Leah
This has to be my favorite in the collection. This is Gren and Tracel’s story. When Tracel is taken Gren has to fight to get her back. They do have a few other challenges as well. Can Gren save Tracel in time? Can they get their HEA?
A Little Magic by Annabelle Kitch
Thrim is a magician who has his magic used against him. He makes a new friend that adds more danger to his life. Can they get away safely?
A Good Man by Caitlin Ricci
Emery loses his job and isn’t sure what to do. Than someone talks him into fighting in the ring to prove himself worthy of a training position at the gym. Being out of the ring as long as he has, he’s not quite sure he can do it. Will he win the match and lose his boyfriend? Or will he end up with both?
Gladiatrix by S.S. Skye
Daelan finds herself being sold to pay her father's debt. When she meets someone things change slightly for her. She finds herself attracted to this woman. Can she survive the games? Will they have a HEA?
Feint of Heart by Freddie Milano
Cal has had feelings for Taren for years and is hoping to be noticed for more than his squire. Something happens that changes his plans. Can he protect Taren and finally get his attention?
Chasing Coyote by August Aimes
I was surprised to see a western in this group. We meet Coyote and Jove in this read. Can these two have a HEA? There seems to be a little cat and mouse with the chasing but for the most part I enjoyed this final read in the series.
Overall I feel like these reads were good but didn’t blow me away. I’m not a huge fan of a lot of the genres in this compilation but I did get drawn in and most stories peaked my interest in researching the authors and reading a full length book instead of a short story. If you're looking for some good short stories and want to get to know some authors, 1-click and get started today on this good read.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Reviewed by MAustin from Alpha Book Club
Did Not Finish
October 11, 2014Consensual incest
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews